In the spring of 2020, the City of Asheville launched several temporary initiatives to support safe business operations and customer access to goods and services during COVID-19. These “AVL Shares Space” initiatives enabled businesses and organizations to quickly expand outdoors, generally into adjacent public spaces and parking lots, with the primary goal of supporting the local economy while facilitating alignment with public health guidance. To date, over 100 businesses have been authorized to expand outdoors. More information, including other guiding principles and goals of the program can be found here.

The City would like to collect public feedback on the successes and impacts of each initiative in order to assess possibilities for longer-term programs.

Please let us know how you’ve interacted with any or all of these initiatives, and provide feedback on your experience.

The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 10^th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.

Winners will be selected in the following categories:

• Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
• Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
• Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
• Art: $200 ReStore gift card
• Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
• Vans & Vehicle (NEW!): $200 ReStore gift card
• Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card

Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.

The purpose of this annual contest is to showcase innovative building and DIY projects
constructed predominantly of reused building materials. A large number of ReStore shoppers
purchase items intended to be repurposed or reused in unique and creative ways; the ReStore
Reuse contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle
and repurpose usable materials.
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a chair crafted from an oil drum, yard
art made from old tools, and so much more. To see photos from the 2020 contest, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live and/or Work Space, Art, Home Décor, Vans and Vehicles (NEW!), and Best in Show.
Winners will be announced in mid-October.

Official 2021 Raffle Rules

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

• a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
• well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
• a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
• communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
• vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
• and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.

Emerging and established artists in NC can apply for $500-2,000 in aid

The North Carolina Arts Council understands the important role artists contribute to the vitality, unity and resiliency of our communities. NCAC has established the North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant (ASG) as a regional grant program to support individual artists during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The program funds professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences.

Funds are granted through 18 regional partners across the state, to ensure a more equitable disbursement of funds to artists in rural and urban areas across the state. Buncombe County is part of Region 17, which includes Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.

Last year, Region 17 received 126 applications and awarded 32 awards totaling $30,088– supporting artists from a variety of different mediums.

This year, applicants have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000– double what was offered last year. Applicants will also apply directly through the NCAC website to help simplify the application process. Instructions and a virtual application workshop video are available on the AAAC website.

The deadline to apply is September 30.

| Just in time for NC Arts Education Week, the Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) and Buncombe County Schools (BCS) to expand the Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Schools (TAPAS) program into county classrooms.

The new expanded program is called Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Area Schools, and the Fall 2021 TAPAAS catalog is now available online through both the ACSF and AAAC websites. Teachers in Asheville City Schools should continue to apply directly to ASCF for residencies. Teachers in Buncombe County Schools should apply through the arts council.

For more information visit: ashevillearts.com or acsf.org.

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Asheville Ale Trail has joined Wicked Weed in their WNC Love: Flood Relief

Flood Relief Fundraiser

On Tuesday, August 18th, Tropical Storm Fred hit Western North Carolina bringing 8-12 inches
of rainfall and causing extreme flooding. Haywood County in particular suffered severe flooding
and damage affecting both residential and commercial areas. Many residents of Haywood
County lost their homes. Unfortunately several members of the brewing community suffered
significant loss and destruction as well. BearWaters Brewing in downtown Canton had over 9
feet of flooding and lost countless kegs, barrels and equipment, in addition to some of their
outdoor structures.

As a response, Wicked Weed created the WNC Love: Flood Relief Fundraiser Campaign to
encourage the brewing community to get involved and help raise flood recovery donations.
Along with Wicked Weed, several breweries have joined in participation by donating a portion of
their proceeds to flood relief initiatives, and are hoping many more will join.
About Asheville Ale Trail: Asheville Ale Trail is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide
to breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries in Western North Carolina. The printed Field
Guide is available for free at hundreds of locations throughout the region.

 Blue Ridge Humane Society invites everyone to celebrate the love of animals and support improving the quality of life for companion animals in Henderson County with the 2021 Barkyard Parties. Barkyard Parties are individualized celebrations of animal rescue, adoption, and animal welfare programs that raise awareness and funds for Blue Ridge Humane Society. The events and parties can take place anytime and anywhere over the weekend of September 17-19, 2021.

The Barkyard Parties are being held instead of the traditional fundraising gala, and allow for a variety of ways to show support for Blue Ridge Humane Society while raising vital funds to continue animal rescue, pet support programs and emergency response, pet food assistance programs, and additional community partnerships to support healthy and happy animals.

“After such a successful event last year, we are thrilled for our second year of Barkyard Parties,” shares Angela Prodrick, Executive Director. “These inclusive events allow for anyone from anywhere to participate in a way they most feel comfortable. This year we not only have private parties but we have partnered with several of our local businesses. It is the perfect opportunity to get out and support small businesses in our community and celebrate what Blue Ridge Humane Society offers. If you’d would like to contribute without participating, you can make an in lieu of donation that will go directly towards our vital lifesaving programs.”

Individuals can also host their own event for friends and family to raise funds, or donate directly with an in lieu of gift. Hosts and in lieu of donations above $250 all receive a basket of locally sourced items made possible by the Barkyard Parties presenting sponsor Hunter Subaru, and supporting sponsors Carolina Village, Park National Bank, Lauren Rippy-Beverly Hanks Realtor, First Bank, Annie Fritchner, Champion Credit Union, Wag! A Unique Pet Boutique, and WTZQ Radio.

The 2021 Barkyard Parties that are open to the public are taking place September 17-19 at several locations around Henderson County, with different ways to support both Blue Ridge Humane and local businesses:

Friday, September 17:

• First Bank Hendersonville Block Party
• 359 Club at Wine Sage and Gourmet, 3:59pm-6pm
• Marked Tree Vineyard, $1 per glass of rose sold donated to BRHS
• Wild Birds Unlimited Hendersonville – % of sales, raffles, donation drive

Saturday, September 18:

• 1st Annual Car & Truck Show presented by EHHS Student Government, 10am-2pm, East Henderson High School
• Blessing of the Pets, Mills River Presbyterian Church – supply drive and pet celebration, 10am
• Dry Falls Brewing – % of sales + $1,000 donation matching challenge
• Wild Birds Unlimited Hendersonville – % of sales, raffles, donation drive
• Oklawaha Brewing – $1 per pint donated to BRHS
• Raymond’s Garden Center – % of sales
• The Salty Landing – $1 per pint donated to BRHS
• Surf n Brew – $1 per pint donated to BRHS
• Mills River Farm Market – Holt Orchards Apple Crisp Mix sales benefiting BRHS

Sunday, September 19:

• Doggie Olympics and $1 per pint, 1pm-4pm at Mills River Brewing Co.
• D9 Brewing – open at 1pm. $1 per pint all day, light bites and appetizers provided by Nora’s NY Pizzeria and Eatery from 1pm-4pm (donation suggested), raffles, and more!

About Bearfootin’ Art Walk

Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the non-profit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2020, the Bears raised more than $84,000, and in 2021 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

2021 Bearfootin’ Auction

The 2021 Bears are currently stationed along Main Street until the auction in October. Check out our 2021 Bearfootin’ Bears!

Until 2020, the Bearfootin’ auctions were hosted in traditional style with a live auctioneer. Then, in response to the pandemic, Friends of Downtown Hendersonville pivoted to a virtual format for the 2020 auction. The virtual bidding format allowed people to bid over the course of a month until a scheduled bidding cutoff. This turned out to be a big success, with the 2020 auction raising more than $84,000. 

For the 2021 Auction, the Downtown Events Team and Friends of Downtown Hendersonville staff are incorporating the virtual bidding format with an in-person event. This means bidders will be able to begin bidding as early as September 15, 2021. Bidding will come to a close with an exciting in-person event on October 16 from 4-6:30pm, with all bidding closing at 6pm.

1. Bidding begins on September 15, 2021 at 12pm and ends at 6pm EST on October 16, 2021. Stay tuned for the release of the bidding platform closer to September 15!

2.  All bidding will occur virtually. There will be no in-person bidding. However, there will be live bidding via phone/computer up until the bidding cut off at 6pm on October 16.

3.  It’s free to register to bid, and you can bid anytime between September 15 and the deadline at 6pm on October 16. Initial bids will take place via the bidding website (stay tuned for link!). Bidders will receive automatic text message notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid directly via text message.  

4. There will be an in-person countdown celebration on October 16 from 4-6:30 pm on the outdoor plaza at the Historic Train Depot at 650 Maple Street. The event will have a lively atmosphere with bells and cheers at each incoming bid, as well as live music, beer/wine and food trucks. The event is free and open to the public. While there will be no in-person bidding at the event, attendees can bid live via their cell phone. There will be an event information booth to help attendees get registered and begin bidding.

5. There will be no proxy bidding. Bidders will receive automatic text notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid. There are no reserve/proxy bids, meaning you can’t set a price that the system will automatically bid for you. If you are outbid, you will need to place a higher bid if you wish to continue.   

6. Starting bids for all bears will be $1,500 and minimum bid increments are $100.  

7.  Any bear can be purchased at our “Buy Now” price of $10,000. The “Buy Now” option ends Thursday, October 14 at 5 p.m.

8. Bidders do not have to attend the in-person event to be a winning bidder. For those who can’t attend the in-person event on October 16, we will conduct a virtual Facebook Live event of the auction on the Downtown Hendersonville page. We will start the off by introducing the bears and providing information about how to bid before the clock runs out. All bidding is automatically cut off at 6pm on October 16.

9. Winning bidders will be contacted regarding payment and picking up their bear via text and email. Bears can be picked up at the event, or during a scheduled “pick up window” the week following the event. Winners have 5 days to pay or they will be automatically charged on the credit card filed. Alternatively, winners can pay with cash or check. There will be a 2.95% processing fee on all credit card transactions. 

Buncombe County is excited to announce the launch of a new website to help qualified homeowners streamline the process of submitting an inquiry to the Homeowner Grant Program. As of Friday, Aug. 6, qualified Buncombe County homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The Homeowner Grant Program is now accepting inquiries for support on the program website or by calling (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.

With the FY22 budget approval, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $300,000 for this new initiative aimed at helping qualified homeowners. Through a collaborative partnership, residents in the City of Asheville and the Town of Woodfin will be eligible to receive additional assistance, and the program will be administered through Buncombe County Health and Human Services (HHS).

“This is a new idea for our community, and I’m glad we are thoroughly evaluating it,” said Chairman Brownie Newman at the July 13 meeting. “We are trying to provide some financial relief for folks seeing cost of living go up for a variety of reasons. We’ll make adjustments based on what works well,” he said, noting the County might increase the program’s investment in the future.

Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria may receive up to $300 from Buncombe County and up to $200 from the City of Asheville or the Town of Woodfin.

Starting Friday, Aug. 6, eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry on the homeowner grant website or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language.

“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”

Homeowner Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $300 for Buncombe County residents
• City of Asheville and Town of Woodfin residents may receive additional grant of up to $200
• Frequency: Annual
• Length of primary residence: Five years
• Household Income: at or below 80% of AMI
• Application: Income documentation required, unless already enrolled in HHS means-tested economic assisted programs
• Other programs: Applicant will be paired with best fitting programs with no duplication of benefits.
• You must apply. This is not an automatic enrollment. 
• Eligible payment types:
  • If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill, city/municipality taxes, and/or applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals.

*For households over 5, please contact the HHS Call Center for assistance

Buncombe County Permits & Inspections is taking another step toward streamlining the inspections scheduling process. Effective Friday, Aug. 20, scheduling building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing inspections will transition to the Development & Permits online portal.

The portal offers the ability to search permit records and inspection results, and the addition of online inspection scheduling makes this an exciting new tool for our contractors and owner/builders.

“The convenience of an online scheduling tool is something the building community has been waiting for a long time,” says Permits & Inspections Director Matt Stone. “The 24/7 online system allows more flexibility in how and when they will be able to schedule their inspections, and will free up staff time normally spent each day handling these requests.”

Visit buncombecounty.org/permits to access the Development & Permits online portal, and click here for directions on how to log in and schedule an inspection. Please be advised when scheduling an inspection, some inspections will appear as optional even though they might required. Please contact our office with any questions at (828) 250-5360.

Note: Contractors without online access will still have the ability to schedule same day inspections by calling (828) 250-5360 between 7-8:30 a.m., the day of the required inspection.

Buncombe County Permits & Inspections provides building inspections and permitting services for all unincorporated areas of Buncombe County and through contractual agreements, provides these services for the towns of Biltmore Forest, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

Take a look around. Now, look closer.

The word “pixelated” means made of small pieces but the word, “pixilated” means infatuation with a mischievous, mythical creature called a pixie.

Looking at the world in a different way can feel mischievous. Walk through your neighborhood looking up, looking down. Look at how buildings are put together or how things fall apart.  Find patterns, shadows, twisting vines, whatever makes you stop and think. Whatever makes you feel pixelated.

Send us your favorite square-framed shots of simple, surprising thing that make you think, wonder or smile in Buncombe County.

Look for BiblioBoard on the Buncombe Public Library site. Make an account and log in. Select Menu and Buncombe County. Scroll down to Buncombe County collections. Dive into the CITYPIXels module and submit a photo.

If we get enough submissions, we’ll put them together as pixels in a larger display of just what it is we love about where we live. Then we can enjoy what we love alone, together!

Get pixelated, Asheville!

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

• Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
• Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
• Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

County Commissioners unanimously approved using $300,000 for a new initiative aimed at helping qualified homeowners. During their meeting on July 13, commissioners voted to move forward with the Homeowner Grant Program that could provide $300 for eligible residents.

“This is a new idea for our community, and I’m glad we are thoroughly evaluating it,” said Chairman Brownie Newman. “We are trying to provide some financial relief for folks seeing cost of living go up for a variety of reasons. We’ll make adjustments based on what works well,” said Newman noting the County might increase the program’s investment in the future.

Homeowners Grant Details

Grant amount: Up to $300
Frequency: Annual
Eligible payments types: Tax bill and other homeowner housing costs
Eligible area: Buncombe County
Length of primary residence: Five years
Income: 80% of annual median income
Application: Income documentation required, unless already enrolled in HHS means-tested programs
Other programs: Best fitting programs; no duplication of benefits

Applications will be available starting Aug. 1, and the deadline to apply will be Nov. 15. Buncombe County will work with the local media and add updates to the Homeowner Grant program on its website as more information and applications are available.

Join a Volunteer Task Force! Our volunteer task forces work hard behind the scenes diving deep into issues affecting Asheville and Buncombe County. If you’re interested in becoming more involved by partnering up with other passionate community members, this is the place for you!   Plastics Reduction Task Force – Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm Join the PRTF Tree Protection Task Force – Meets on the last Monday of the month at noon. Contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Are you interested in working for a dynamic non-profit providing vital anti-poverty services for our mountain communities?  We have openings for attorney positions as well as other staff positions. Please click on the button below for job descriptions and application details. Job Descriptions and Application Details Pisgah Legal is proud to be a Living Wage Certified employer